DAN MANJOVI SONG FEATURED ON SOUNDTRACK FOR AWARD-WINNING FILM PRECIOUS....

.. ..

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (New York, NY – November 9, 2009) ....

Singer/songwriter Dan Manjovi’s song “Somethin’s Comin’ My Way” is featured on the soundtrack for the bold new Lionsgate film Precious: Based On The Novel Push By Sapphire which has dominated the movie industry with Oscar buzz for months.  “Somethin’s Comin’ My Way” is also used in the film.  ....

.. ..

Manjovi wrote “Somethin’s Comin’ My Way” at the request of the film’s director, Lee Daniels, whose previous films include Monster’s Ball (producer), Shadowboxer and The Woodsman. Manjovi explains “Grace Hightower set up a meeting with Lee. He spoke to me about the film, and his ideas for how music would be used. After reading the screenplay, I thought about how Precious Jones admires these strong iconic African-American women such as Harriet Tubman, and the first line – “on my mind Tina Turner” came into my head. After that, I knew I had the song.” “Somethin’s Comin’ My Way” was included in its demo form for the film’s premiere at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. After Precious took the festival’s Grand Jury Prize and was optioned by Lionsgate with Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry as co-executive producers, “Somethin’s Comin My Way” was re-recorded for both the film and the soundtrack. The current version was also arranged and produced by Manjovi, and the featured vocal performance is by Grace Hightower, who also has a role in Precious as a social worker.....

.. ..

Matriarch/Geffen Records in association with Lee Daniels Entertainment, Smokewood Entertainment, Lionsgate, Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry will release the soundtrack to the prize-winning drama Precious: Based On The Novel Push By Sapphire. The soundtrack is executive produced by Lee Daniels and Mary J. Blige and is currently available online now and in stores on November 23, 2009.  The film opened in limited markets on November 6, 2009.....

.. ..

Other artists on the soundtrack include Mary J. Blige, Labelle, Queen Latifah, MFSB, Mahalia Jackson, Lenny Kravitz, Jean Carn, Donna Allen, Sunny Gale, Mario Grigorov and Nona Hendryx.....

.. ..

Manjovi is a highly visible New York based singer songwriter, with two independently released CDs (Dan Manjovi, 2005; and Woke Up This Morning, 2008). Manjovi was a featured artist at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival's ASCAP Music Lounge where he appeared along with John Mayer, Nellie McKay, and Elvis Costello at The Canal Room.  He appears at New York's top music venues including The Bitter End, and The Cutting Room.  He also performs annually at Byrant Park’s Piano In The Park concert series.  His anthemic song “Things’ll Get Better” is currently included in the United For The Ride, Volume I CD. ....

.. ..

David Byrne of The Windy City Times cheers, “Manjovi has a knack for penning pop pleasures, coming across as a hybrid of Elton John, Dave Matthews and Kenny Loggins.” Joe Siegel from Edge publications states that Manjovi’s music is “designed to sooth the spirit and make you think more closely about the world we live in. Manjovi has scored a major success on both counts.”....

.. ..

Manjovi is currently finishing the score for a new musical comedy “I Am, I Will, I Do” for which he has written the book, music and lyrics.....

.. ..

www.DanManjovi.com Dan Manjovi Music, LLC....

.. ..

Latest News: The film "Precious: Based on a novel by Sapphire" features the Dan Manjovi song "Somethin's Comin' My Way" is scheduled for a November, 2009 release by Lionsgate. The film took top honors at Sundance earlier this year, and the song was written for the film at the request of the filmmaker, Lee Daniels.

More: My good friend and colleague, talented singer,songwriter Morry Campbell has started a terrific Blog, and Podcast for songwriters and and performers. It's called Songtalk. On his first podcast Morry and I chat about my songs and songwriting. Check it out at: http://www.songtalk.net/ and check out Morry's music at http://morryc.com/

My song Things'll Get Better is featured this month (March) in The Free Speech Emporium Author and Poet Review. Check it out at: http://www.wizzdom.net/fsenl.exe

My second CD "Woke Up This Morning" now #1 for the THIRD CONSECUTIVE MONTH on OUT VOICE NETWORK TOP 10!!! To vote for Woke Up This Morning, visit outvoice.net

"Give 'Em What You Got (Takin' It Back) is NUMBER 3 for the TOP 10 SONGS OF 2008 on QNationFM.com - Internet radio - Thanks for listening and Voting!

Latest Press:
David Byrne writes of Woke Up This Morning in Windy City Press:
"East Coast singer-songwriter Dan Monjovi has a knack for penning pop pleasures, coming across as a hybrid of Elton John, Dave Matthews and Kenny Loggins. On his sophomore effort, Woke Tp This Morning, the recording artist pines for respect and fulfillment through fame on "Celebrity." Considering today's economic climate and the hopefulness surrounding President Obama, “Things'll Get Better” captures some much-needed optimism. “Is Anybody Watching?,” another one of this album's highlights, presents a social critique masked with a great sing-along quality."

Dan Manjovi's music can be heard on the following radio networks: QNationFM (and check out Arizzona's "Unashamed Faith Cafe" airing every Sunday at 8:00 PM EST on QNation); Kathy Rieser's Out,Loud, and Queer on WJFF Radio (www.wjffradio.org), RadioHarris Radio online at www.harrisradio.com, WKJCE TGLBT Radio (PA) and WRPI 91.5 FM (Troy/Albany). And a big shout out to The Joey Reynolds Show, 710WOR New York. Thank you!

More press for "WOKE UP THIS MORNING":
"Woke Up This Morning, is a winning collection of pop-rock songs featuring a social conscience. Manjovi has scored a major success." Joe Siegel, The Edge.
"Sheer brilliance! Dan's music lays somewhere’s between can’t get enough and must have it." Arizzona, Unashamed Faith Cafe.
"Provocative…filled with thrills…a true gem." Jed Ryan, PM Entertainment Magazine
"Manjovi is both a compelling storyteller, and surprisingly clever composer." Alyssa Rashbaum, Rebel Spirit

Order your copy of "WOKE UP THIS MORNING" or my 2005 CD "DAN MANJOVI" today, complete with a personal note from me on www.danmanjovi.com Click "SHOP"

www.Cdbaby.com To download your favorite DM song visit iTunes

This review of "Woke Up This Morning" just in from Windy City Press:

Pop Making Sense
by David Byrne with Tony Peregrin
2009-02-25

"East Coast singer-songwriter Dan Manjovi has a knack for penning pop pleasures, coming across as a hybrid of Elton John, Dave Matthews and Kenny Loggins. On his sophomore effort, Woke up This Morning, the out recording artist pines for respect and fulfillment through fame on Celebrity. Considering today's economic climate and the hopefulness surrounding President Obama, “Things'll Get Better” captures some much-needed optimism. “Is Anybody Watching?,” another one of this album's highlights, presents a social critique masked with a great sing-along quality. Woke up This Morning, which topped the Out Voice Network Top 10, is available now."

Hi All,

Just a quick bit of news I'd like to share.

A song of mine titled "Somethin's Comin' My Way" is featured in the new Lee Daniels film "Push: Based on the Novel By Sapphire." “Push” took the top honors Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award honors last month at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

"Push" is a raw, daring, disturbing and provocative film, and I am honored to have my words and music be part of such a bold film project. The song “Somethin’s Comin’ My Way” was written expressly for the film at the request of the filmmaker. “Push” stars MoNique, Mariah Carey, and Lenny Kravitz, among an outstanding cast all who deliver exceptional performances.

Domestic and worldwide distribution is imminent, and will be handled by Lionsgate or Mirimax, , and Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry have also taken an interest in the film. I will keep you posted with details, but do look for "Push: Based on the Novel by Sapphire" when it hits theatres.

Many thanks, and best always,
Dan


Dan Manjovi

www.danmanjovi.com
dan@danmanjovi.com
www.mypsace.com/danmanjovi

I wanted to end the year with a note of thanks. Thanks to all of you who listened, bought CDs, voted, and tuned in this year! I'm most grateful. All my best for a wonderful New Year! Here's to better tomorrow soon. Things'll Get Better!

A bit of year-end news ~

I.
Here are the Pride Music Playoffs Top 25 songs for 2008, according to win/loss record and number of votes. Thanks to you, my song "Give Em What You Got (Takin' It Back) came in at 3!

1 Boob Tube - James Collins [with Justine Campbell, Carol Medina & Jon Corr]
2 Change The Picture - Linq
3 Give 'Em What You Got (Takin' It Back) - Dan Manjovi
4 Like Breath To Me - Robert Anton [featuring Jil Ragee]
5 Uncle - Keyth Lawrence
6 My Country Man - Candye Kane
7 Day We Lost Our Love - Tomas
8 The Other Side Of You - Cynova
9 Dance With Me - Daniel Link
10 The Rally - Sandy Rapp
11 Life And Times - Ariel Aparicio
12 One Would Think - Frankie Leigh
13 Family Values - John Raymond Pollard
14 Feelin' Brand New - Solomon
15 Shorty The Pimp [Sweet Rains Mix] - Naked Highway
16 Gettin' 2 Know U - Will-W.
17 Snakebit - Mary Gauthier
18 Dream - Mike Andrews [featuring Cary August]
19 Little Boy Blue - Eric Himan
20 The Death Of The Paperboy - Morel
21 We All Sleep Alone - Ron Morris
22 Tell Me The... - Joshua Klipp
23 Tell Me What To Do - Aiden Bay
24 Chariots Of Fire - BWO
25 It's Okay [Scotty K. United Radio Mix] - Jason & deMarco

Congratulations to all of the artists who made the Top 25.

The Pride Music Playoffs airs Sundays at 10 AM EST on Qnation FM. http://qnation.fm You can listen to the countdown show New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.


II.
Woke Up This Morning is currently charting at 5 on Outvoice.net. To vote for "Woke Up This Morning" please visit http://www.outvoice.net/votechart.htm ; fill in your e-mail address in two places and your name. In the box for CD1, vote for "Woke Up This Morning" Dan Manjovi. Fill in additional CD's that are favorites of yours in the spaces that follow.


III.
Finally a recent review by Joe Siegel for Edge NY:

Edge New York Review: December, '08

Dan Manjovi's second CD, Woke Up This Morning, is a winning collection of pop-rock songs featuring a social conscience.

Manjovi wrote the album's 10 songs, which poke fun at famewhores (Celebrity), greed (Everybody's Got An Agenda), materialism (Is Anybody Watching?), and George W. Bush (Things'll Get Better).

"My life will no longer be empty/When I become a celebrity, yeah", Manjovi sings in Celebrity.

Manjovi's vocals are smooth and easy-going even when his lyrics drip with sarcasm.

Manjovi takes aim at homophobic rap musicians on Give 'Em What You Got (Takin' It Back).

"Some people hate who we are/'cause it's what they're most afraid of/they lash out because we're different/what's up with that?"

The song serves as a call to arms for the GLBT community to take pride in ourselves and to fight bigotry in all its forms.

Manjovi critiques mindless consumerism in Is Anybody Watching?

"Life remains great here in the States/we got the poor to fight the war/while all of us acquire more," Manjovi sings.

The song's jazz-based arrangement underscores Manjovi's tone of sadness and scorn perfectly.

Prelude features sound bites of George W. Bush, which sets the stage for Manjovi's call for optimism on Things'll Get Better.

"I know things, things'll get better/they'll get better someday," Manjovi sings, his voice resonating with passion.

Woke Up This Morning is a likable record, designed to sooth the spirit and make you think more closely about the world we live in. Manjovi has scored a major success on both counts.

Manjovi's web site can be accessed at http://www.danmanjovi.com.


Joe Siegel has written for a number of other GLBT publications, including In newsweekly and Options.


Wishing you and yours a wonderful Holiday Season, and Happy New Year.
Best always,
Dan

www.danmanjovi.com
dan@danmanjovi.com
www.myspace.com/danmanjovi

Hope you are having a great holiday season so far!

On Wednesday, December 17th at 10:30 am EST, I'll be a guest on Larry Flick's morning show, Sirius OutQ (Ch. 106 and XM 109). Larry, Keith, Cynthia and myself will chat, mix it up, and I am sure they'll play some cuts from "Woke Up This Morning."

Call in and say hi!

Talk soon,

Dan

The singer/musician chats about a few of his favorite, local places, events and things.


Dan Manjovi: photos c/o SASi PR.

Name: Dan Manjovi

Age: No you didn't.

Profession: Singer, songwriter, musician

City: New York City (Harlem)

Relationship Status: LTR; just married -- October 9th. Spouse: Kermitt Brooks

Sexuality: Gay, of course.
















What are some of the things you love most about NYC?

The people. There are tons of interesting characters walking around with energy for days, here in NYC. This is the best city in the world to walk around town and people-watch.

What are some of your least favorite things about NYC?

Watching its diversity and character disappear because of the exorbitant cost of living here. I'm also so completely over watching every commercial space turn into a Duane Reade or a Wrong Aid. Every time I see another one open up it's like a huge fart bomb exploding on the neighborhood.

What gym do you like most in NYC? Why?

For quality, convenience, locations and value, I go to New York Health and Racquet Club. A particular favorite is the Chelsea location on 23rd and Sixth. The equipment is great, there's plenty of it, and they're never overly crowded. And unlike most gyms, the cheesy Muzak isn't too loud.

What are some great restaurants for a night out with gay friends in NYC?

Being a proud Italian-American, I love Italian food. Two favorites are Pomodoro on Columbus Avenue, Upper West Side, and D'Andrea on Hudson Street in the West Village. And for casual meals with friends, I love going to the Bus Stop Café at 597 Hudson; it has an unassuming atmosphere with reliable food at reasonable prices, something that is becoming harder and harder to find in Manhattan. Plus they treat regulars like family.

What are some great restaurants for a romantic gay date in NYC? What about these restaurants appeals to you?

La Ripaille, also in the West Village. The atmosphere is so romantic. It's excellent traditional French cuisine, with a great wine list, and a very gay-friendly staff. Kermitt and I have been there many times.

What are your favorite gay bars and/or dance clubs in NYC? What do you like about them?

I have a special place in my heart for the Monster 'cause it was the first gay bar I ever went into. Right in the heart of the Village, it's an institution. There's a piano bar upstairs and a low-ceiling dance bar downstairs. You're as likely to find yourself chatting with a hedge fund manager as a hustler -- so what's not to love? I've always liked G, Splash and Beauty Bar. As far as dance clubs, I miss the Roxy.

What are your favorite gay parties or events in NYC, if any? What is the crowd or scene like at those places?

The gay party scene has never really appealed to me because the music is always way too loud, the parties often attract people who try way too hard, and there's frequently this undercurrent of drugs and/or alcohol abuse bubbling through the scene. I prefer connecting with people in a less frenetic environment.

Where is the best public place for a gay person to make out in NYC?

Bryant Park is it. With an open promenade behind the beautiful Public Library with plenty of nooks and crannies to hide in, it is very romantic. It's like your own private oasis right in the heart of midtown. Another thing about Bryant Park, in the summertime they have loads of music events, book readings, and free movies. I've performed at the Piano in the Park series for the last three years.

What is the gay community like in NYC? Do you consider yourself to be part of any particular "scene"?

Well, the great thing about NYC is that here the LGBT community is everywhere, so much so that we've become practically mainstream. So it's easy enough to find your niche. And my scene is definitely the performing arts/music scene.

Are you involved with any LGBT community organizations in NYC? Which ones? What do you like about those groups?

I've been a member of the LGBT Community Center for a long time. I always love going there for events and feeling the energy of our diverse community. And as an Out musician and performer, I am proud to be an active member of OUTmusic.

What do you think of the annual LGBT pride celebration in NYC? Do you usually attend? What are the highlights for you? What do you like least about it?

The pride celebration is a great thing for our community and our city. Because of my hectic schedule, I'm not always able to attend. I did this past year, though. We marched with Lambda Legal Defense Fund (a friend works for them), and we had a great time. It poured during the march, and everyone was soaking wet, which made it messy and even more fun.


Manjovi describes his t-shirt and jeans style as pretty casual.

Do you have a particular fashion style? Where do you shop for clothes?

I tend to be pretty casual. When rehearsing or writing or teaching, I like to be comfortable, so jeans, a shirt and sweater with loafers or sneakers works for me. As for shopping: I love Barney's! The end of summer clearance is a man's clothing Mecca. I never miss it (unless I'm completely broke) and friends often come in from out of town to shop with us. And every New Yorker knows and loves Century 21. The original Century 21 store is in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, not too far from where I grew up.

Where do you go for other forms of entertainment -- live theater, concerts, movies, art exhibits? Are there any local gay performance groups, bands, or artists that you're a fan of?

One of the great things about being a performer is that I am constantly meeting both professional and aspiring performers. I teach singing at HB Studio in New York as well as privately. So I'm usually out a couple of times a week catching performances of friends and colleagues of mine as well as students that I teach. Two friends whose work I particularly enjoy are Terry Christopher and Morry Campbell. And although he's not a New Yorker, my friend Nick Granato (Florida) writes and performs great stuff, too.

If you had gay friends visiting from out of town for the first time, what are some "musts" that you'd recommend they see or do?

I'd start in the birthplace of the gay movement at Stonewall Place near Christopher Street. Even though the Village is not as "gay" as it used to be, it's still steeped in the history of the gay rights movement. After checking that out, I'd head north up Eighth Avenue toward Chelsea, straight up to Hell's Kitchen and the Theatre District.

What city (or cities) in America would you most like to visit next, and why? Are there any specific spots there (theaters, nightclubs, historic sites, etc.) that you'd really like to see?

I love old restored theatres, so I would love to travel across the country and visit some of the old Fox Theatres in Detroit, St. Louis, Boulder, and Tucson, for instance. Who knows, maybe someone should set up a tour for me to play in all of them!

Dan Manjovi is a New York City favorite, continually expanding his growing fan base in New York and beyond. With the 2008 release of Manjovi's second CD, "Woke Up This Morning," more and more fans are tuning into Manjovi's trademark sound: tasty, sophisticated pop/rock hooks, blues and jazz piano-based arrangements, and powerfully- flexible vocals. His sound has been described as a mix of Elton John, John Mayer, and The Beatles. More information on this OUT artist can be found on his website: www.DanManjovi.com.

Dan's Journal August 14, 2008:
I hope this finds you well.

The world lost a talented actor, playwright, librettist and lyricist this week with the passing of George Furth at 75.

While George was known for his many television and screen appearances, I will most remember him for his contributions to the theatre. His libretto for "Company" was groundbreaking, creating three-dimensional characters that were real people who lived, loved, lost, tried and failed.

George touched many people, and made and kept many friends. He returned phone calls, and e-mail (an increasing rarity these days), and was full of life and energy, always buzzed about his latest project.

I had the distinct honor of working with George Furth on one of his last projects; a workshop production of a new musical review called "TheEnd" later renamed "The Happy Hour". With his collaborator, the musical genius Doug Katsaros, who wrote the music to George's lyrics, the musical captured the lives of three couples whose relationships failed. What ensued onstage was funny, poignant and a study in humanity.

I was proud to get to know George Furth both during our work together and to remain in touch until a few weeks before his sudden passing. I will miss him and he will be missed by many.

Dan Manjovi
New York, NY

I would like to share some exciting news with you.

My new CD "WOKE UP THIS MORNING" is here! To celebrate I would to offer you a free download! Click on "Forgotten How To Dream: to download your FREE copy of Track 1 from the new CD. Post a comment if you would like. To order your copy go to www.danmanjovi.com or www.cdbaby.com/cd/manjovi2

More great news: I have also been named Player of The Month by GGW (Gay Guitarists Worldwide), and and an interview with my friend and colleague Robert Urban of URBAN PRODUCTIONS is featured in this month's webzine issue of Gay Guitarists Worldwide. The full review and interview is reprinted below.

The New York "WOKE UP THIS MORNING" CD Release show with my full band is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30th, 8:00 pm at The Bitter End, 147 Bleecker Street, NYC. See you there! :)

HERE'S THE GGW INTERVIEW:
New York City based singer/songwriter musician Dan Manjovi has just released his new 2008 CD - Woke Up This Morning.
"I've had the pleasure of working with singer-songwriter/keyboardist Dan Manjovi both in the recording studio and in a variety of live performance situations. It's always a fun, exciting challenge to share the stage with such a commanding pianistic presence. With a grand, precise, steely-fingered keyboard technique, Manjovi infuses sweeping power and exactness into all he tackles. In his hands, standard blues and simple pop song forms are transformed into expansive anthems - belted out with broad, showtune-style expressiveness. His genial, everyman rock/broadway tenor hits every note dead center.
As a singer/songwriter, Manjovi draws deeply from the well of pop's soulful, rhythm & blues greats. This listener hears influences ranging from Jackie Wilson to Bonnie Raitt to Blood, Sweat & Tears to the great seminal white funk rock band Rhinoceros. Oh, yes - and by way of a finale remix of the track "Celebrity" - some old school disco ala the likes of Sylvester and Two Tons of Fun.
Manjovi's often dark & humorously sardonic lyrics mirror the more theatrical interpreters of the R & B pop genre - think Bette Midler and the composers of modern pop musicals such as Rent, Chorus Line and Spring Awakening. In fact, the song lineup on Woke Up this Morning plays almost like a broadway musical show score - one might imagine set changes in between the tracks - as Manjovi offers up songs evoking song & dance "specialty" numbers ("Give 'em What You Got" and "Daddy Longlegs"), 11 o'clock wake-up songs ("I Fall Down") and houselights-down, spotlight-on solo ballads ("Things'll Get Better"). As with many broadway show tune soliloquies, Manjovi's lyrics are often sung in the first person. There's that kind of "man against the world" delivery - a guy conflicted about on the ups and downs of fame, and of the stuggle to find one's place in modern life. This piano man has musical theater in his blood and it shows.
In addition to his piano, vocal and songwriting input on the nicely-produced Woke Up This Morning, Manjovi also plays some mighty fine organ, Fender Rhodes keys and acoustic guitar. Oh, yeah - and by way of some witty, tongue-in-cheek political commentary by Manjovi in the prelude to "Things'll Get Better", check out his surprise guest vocalist - President George W. Bush!" - Robert Urban, URBAN PRODUCTIONS, NYC